Replaceable warning light lens protector

ABSTRACT

A device for protecting leading surfaces of a lens of an emergency vehicle warning light. The device has a replaceable, transparent shield adapted to be conformed to the profile of the leading surface. The shield is attached to the lens by upper and lower grooves formed in the lens. Notches are provided to assist with removal of the shield for replacement. Channels are provided to drain moisture from the lower groove. A first lens modified protector provides tracks, secured to the lens, for securing and conforming the shield to the lens. A second modified protector provides a thin, removable film for attachment to the lens by a pressure sensitive adhesive. A third modified protector provides a heating element attached to the shield for thawing, and for operably defrosting and preventing accumulation of frozen water products from and on the shield.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a replaceable protectorshield for a vehicle lights lens and, in particular, without limitation,to a replaceable shield for a lens of an emergency vehicle warning lightsystem.

2. Description of Related Art

Emergency vehicles, such as police cars, fire engines, ambulances,highway maintenance vehicles, wreckers, and the like, generally haveemergency warning light systems affixed exteriorally thereto, such as onthe roof thereof. Many of such systems have warning lights configured inthe form of an elongated light bar with a transparent lens.

The lens is generally constructed of polycarbonate plastics, such asthat provided by General Electric Company under the trademark Lexan, orthe like. Although the lens is designed, among other things, to protectthe internal elements of the light bar, it is subjected to considerableabuse from impacting bugs and gravel while traveling a high Speeds,hail, freezing rain, debris-laden high winds, and the like. Althoughcertain polycarbonate plastic materials are functional and costeffective for such lens, such materials have limited durability,particularly in the hostile environment to which many of the light barsare subjected. As a result, the lens become faded, marred, scuffed anddamaged even under normal operating conditions, such that itstransparency and aesthetic appeal is substantially reduced with the endresult being that the lens must be periodically replaced. Suchreplacement obviously adds considerable overhead expense.

What is needed is an inexpensive device which is removably attachable toan emergency vehicle warning light system to absorb the abuse normallyreceived by the leading edges and surfaces thereof, and which can beeasily removed and replaced with minimum effort and expense.

What is further needed is such a device available in kit form which isadaptable to existing emergency vehicle warning light systems havingplanar and arcuate leading surfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An improved replaceable lens protector shield is provided for shieldingthe leading edges and surfaces of plastic lens of emergency vehiclewarning light systems from the abusive environment normally encounteredby such light systems.

The lens protector includes a flexible shield which is adapted to bepositioned in overlying relation to a leading surface of the lens as anupper edge of the lens protector is spaced within a groove formed in thelens and a lower edge of the lens protector is spaced within another,opposing groove formed in the lens.

Ridges formed in the lens near each end of the shield provide latchingmeans such that lateral movement of the shield relative to the lens isnormally prevented. A notch at each end of the shield facilitatesinsertion of a prying instrument to assist with removal of the shieldfrom the lens in preparation for installation of a replacement shield.

Similar notches along the lower edge of the shield may also be providedto facilitate removal of the shield. Also, channels along the lowergroove provide drainage for moisture contained in the lower groove.

A first modified embodiment of the replaceable lens protector includes ashield having upper and lower edges contained within opposing flexibletracks secured to the leading surface of an emergency vehicle warninglight system. For a warning light system having adjacent leadingsurfaces, the first modified replaceable lens protector includes aduplex track adapted to receive one edge of each of the respectiveshields covering the leading surfaces.

A second modified embodiment of the replaceable lens protector includesa flexible heating element attached to a shield for thawing frost andice thereon and for preventing rain and sleet from operably freezingthereto. The heating element is adapted to be powered by the electricalsystem powering the warning light system.

PRINCIPAL OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

Thus, the principal objects and advantages of the present invention are:to provide a replaceable lens protector for a warning light system of anemergency vehicle; to provide such a lens protector which can be used onplanar and arcuate surfaces; to provide such a lens protector which canwithstand winds created during high speed travel of emergency vehiclesand from hurricanes; to provide such a lens protector having a heatingelement for defrosting, de-icing and icing prevention purposes; toprovide such a lens protector which can be quickly and easily replaced;to provide such a lens protector which is readily affixable to anexisting emergency light system; to provide such a lens protector whichcan be molded into a lens for an emergency vehicle warning light system;and to generally provide such a lens protector which is economical tomanufacture, easy to use, and particularly well adapted for the proposedusage thereof.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent fromthe following description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example,certain embodiments of this invention.

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate variousobjects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a replaceable lens protector accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the replaceablelens protector, taken generally along line 2--2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged and fragmentary, horizontal cross-sectional viewof the replaceable lens protector taken generally along line 3--3 ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged and fragmentary, front elevational view of an endof the replaceable lens protector.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged and fragmentary, front elevational view of thereplaceable lens protector.

FIG. 6 is a further enlarged and fragmentary, front elevational view ofa notch of the replaceable lens protector, according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a first modified embodimentof a replaceable lens protector, showing the lens protector attached toa convex lens, according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional and fragmentary view of the firstmodified embodiment of the replaceable lens protector similar to that ofFIG. 7, but showing the lens shield attached to a lens having a planarleading surface.

FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional and fragmentary view of a secondmodified embodiment of a replaceable lens protector, according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-section view of a third modified embodimentof a replaceable lens protector, showing a transparent heating element,according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to variously employ the present invention in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure.

The reference numeral 1 generally refers to a replaceable warning lightlens protector in accordance with the present invention, as shown inFIGS. 1 through 6. The protector 1 generally includes shielding means 3,attaching means 5, and latching means 7.

The shielding means 3 generally include a shield 9 constructed of a thinsheet of flexible material, such as polycarbonate plastic as provided byGeneral Electric Company under the trade name Lexan, or the like.Preferably, the shield 9 is sufficiently flexible such that the shield 9can be manually conformed to operably assume the profile of a leadingsurface of a lens 11 of a warning light 13 of an emergency vehicle 15 ashereinafter described. The shield 9 has a selected thickness asappropriate for a particular application, such as a thickness in therange of approximately 0.005 to 0.5 mm. The particular material selectedfor construction of the shield 9 has properties whereby the shield 9 maybe bent, if necessary, from a generally planar configuration to agenerally arcuate configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, without generatinga milky haze therein or otherwise reducing the transparency thereof as aresult of such bending. Further, the material selected for the shield 9provides suitable protection for the lens 11 from sunlight; from mostairborne debris, such as sleet and hail, impacting bugs, small flyingsand and gravel, hurricane-driven particulate matter, and the like; andother adverse elements normally incurred by the lens 11.

The attaching means 5 generally include an opposing pair of grooves 17and 19 formed integrally in the lens 11. The spacing of the grooves 17and 19 is such that, as the shield 9 is operably spaced in overlyingrelation with a leading surface 24 of the lens 11 as shown in FIG. 2, anupper edge 21 of the shield 9 is contained within the groove 17 as alower edge 22 of the shield is contained within the groove 19.

The width of the grooves 17 and 19 is dimensioned to form snug, slidingengagements with the shield 9. The ledges 25 of the lens 11 aregenerally tapered, as shown in FIG. 2, such that wind noise arising fromthe ledges 25 is minimized as the emergency vehicle 15 is driven at highspeeds.

The latching means 7 comprise portions of the lens 11 adjacent to theshield 9 formed into ridges 27, the extremities of which substantiallyalign with an outer face 29 of the shield 9, as shown in FIG. 3. Theridges 27 are spaced apart such that opposing ends 31 of the shield 9are spaced in close proximity to the ridges 27 as the upper and loweredges 21 and 22 of the shield 9 are retained within the grooves 17 and19, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Alternatively, the ridges 27 may be eliminated such that the shield 9can be slidably removed laterally from the grooves 17 and 19.Preferably, however, the shield 9 is displaced minimally laterally inorder to avoid damage to the shield 9 and to a portion 33 of the lens 11underlying the shield 9 from being scratched by debris, such as dust orthe like disposed between the shield 9 and the lens portion 33.

The shield 9 may include removal means such as a notch 35 spacedgenerally medially at the shield ends 31, as shown in FIG. 4, togenerally assist with removal of the respective shield 9 being replaced.If desired, the notch 35 may be tapered inwardly as indicated by thenumeral 37 in FIG. 3, to receive a prying instrument (not shown) toassist with such removal of the shield 9.

If desired, additional notches 35 along either or both of the edges 21and 22, such as that indicated by the numeral 43 in FIG. 3, may be usedto assist with removal of the shield 9. One or more drains 45 may beprovided along the groove 19 to provide drainage for moisture containedin the groove 19.

A first modified embodiment of a replaceable lens protector 51 inaccordance with the present invention is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Many ofthe characteristics of the first modified lens protector 51 aresubstantially similar to those already described and will not bereiterated here.

The first modified replaceable lens protector 51 includes shieldingmeans 53 for shielding a lens 55 of an emergency vehicle warning light(not shown) and attaching means 57. The shielding means 53 includes ashield 59. For one of the lens 55 having a generally arcuateconfiguration as shown in cross-section in FIG. 7, the shield 59 isconstructed of flexible material such that the shield 59 can be manuallyconformed to the shape of the lens 55 as the shield 59 is installedthereon as hereinafter described.

For one of the lens 55 having a leading surface with a planar profile,such as that shown in FIG. 8, the shield 59 is preferably constructed ofsimilar material as hereinbefore described, but having sufficientthickness or rigidity to provide rigid or semi-rigid characteristics.The spacing of the shield 59 from the lens 55, although minimal,provides additional cushioning to protect against flying debris, such asgravel, which might otherwise fracture or damage the underlying lens 55.

The attaching means 57 generally include an opposing pair of tracks 61and 62 spaced apart to receive opposing upper and lower edges 64 and 65,respectively, of the shield 59. The tracks 61 and 62 are generallyconstructed of a resilient material, such as plastic, aluminum or othersuitable material, such that opposing lips 67 and 68 of each of thetracks 61 and 62 can be spread apart to insert the respective upper edge64 or lower edge 65 of the shield 59 and, upon release thereof, the lips67 and 68 frictionally grasped the respective upper or lower edge 64 or65 of the shield, such that the shield 59 is retained in overlyingrelation to the lens 55.

For those applications wherein the lens has two adjacent leading planarsurfaces 70 and 71, as shown in FIG. 8, each one of the correspondingshields 59 is grasped along its upper and lower edges 64 and 65 by oneof the tracks 61 and one of a pair of grooves 73 of a duplex track 75.The attaching means 57 generally include an adhesive 77, such aspressure sensitive double-back tape or other suitable means, such thatthe tracks 61 and 62 and the duplex track 75 are secured to the lens 55,as shown in FIG. 8.

The first modified embodiment of the replaceable lens protector 51 isadapted to be installed on the lens 55 of an existing emergency vehiclewarning light system (not shown). For example, the tracks 61 and 62 maybe appropriately spaced apart and adhesively secured to the lens 55.Then, the shield 59 is manually flexed to conform to the profile of thelens 55 as the upper and lower edges 64 and 65 are inserted into arespective one of the tracks 61 and 62. An instrument with a thin blade(not shown) may be used to assist with spreading the lips 67 and 68 ofthe tracks 61 and 62 to assist with such insertion of the edges 64 and65 therein. For some applications, it may be advantageous to install atrack similar, to that of the track 61, completely around a perimeter ofthe shield 59.

A second modified replaceable lens protector 79 in accordance with thepresent invention is shown in FIG. 9. Many of the characteristics of thesecond modified replaceable lens protector 79 are substantially similarto those previously described for other embodiment herein and will notbe reiterated here in detail.

The second modified lens protector 79 includes shielding means 81 forshielding a lens 82 of an emergency vehicle warning light (not shown)and attaching means 84. The shielding means 81 comprises a thin sheet offlexible material having characteristics as hereinbefore described. Theattaching means 84 comprises a thin layer or sheet of pressure sensitiveadhesive for securing the shielding means 81 directly to a leadingsurface 85 of the lens 82. Preferably, the attaching means 84 is easilyremovable without leaving any residue on the leading surface 85 otherthan residue which is also easily removable.

A third modified replaceable lens protector 87 in accordance with thepresent invention is shown in FIG. 10. Many of the characteristics ofthe third modified replaceable lens protector 87 are substantiallysimilar to those previously described for other embodiments herein andwill not be reiterated here in detail.

The third modified replaceable lens protector 87 includes shieldingmeans 89, attaching means 90, and heating means 92. The heating means 92is preferably secured to an inside surface 93 of the shielding means 89as shown in FIG. 10. Electrical conductors 95 for powering the heatingmeans 92 are adapted to be connected to an electrical system 96, whichis used to power the other elements of the emergency vehicle warninglight system contained within a lens 98 thereof. Generally, theelectrical system 96 includes control means whereby power to the heatingmeans 92 is controllable remotely, such as from inside the respectiveemergency vehicle. The heating means 92 are adapted to providesufficient thermal energy to thaw ice and the like from the shieldingmeans 89 and to prevent ice, sleet and the like from operably buildingup on the shielding means 89, without damaging the shield means 89 orthe lens 98.

It is foreseen that the heating means 92 can be utilized with any of theembodiments described herein.

It is also foreseen that the present invention can be utilized forheadlights, signals and numerous other applications where protection ofan exposed surface is desired.

It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present inventionhave been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited tothe specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is asfollows:
 1. A device for shielding a leading surface of a lens of awarning light system on the exterior of an emergency vehicle, saiddevice comprising:(a) a shield constructed of a thin planar sheet oftransparent material having upper and lower sides; said shield havingsufficient flexibility to be conformable to the leading surface; and (b)attaching means for releasably attaching said shield to the leadingsurface of the lens such that said shield is conformed to the leadingsurface; said attaching means including at least one pair of opposingtracks adapted to grasp said upper and lower sides even as the emergencyvehicle is driven at high speeds; said attaching means further includingadhering means for adhering said tracks to the lens such that saidshield generally covers only the leading surface of the lens.
 2. Thedevice according to claim 1, wherein:(a) said tracks are constructed ofplastic.
 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein:(a) said tracks areconstructed of aluminum.
 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein:(a)said shield is constructed of plastic.
 5. The device according to claim1, wherein:(a) said sheet has a thickness in the range of approximately0.005 to 0.5 millimeters.
 6. The device according to claim 1, whereineach of said at least one pair of opposing tracks has a pair of lipsadapted to frictionally grasp a respective one of said upper and lowersides of said shield.
 7. A device for a vehicle warning light system ofan emergency vehicle, the light system having a lens with an arcuatelyconvex leading surface, said device comprising:(a) a shield constructedof a thin planar sheet of transparent material having upper and lowersides; said shield having sufficient flexibility such that said shieldcan be manually flexed to conform to the leading surface withoutdamaging said transparent material; (b) a pair of opposing tracks, eachhaving a pair of opposing lips adapted to frictionally grasp arespective one of said upper and lower sides even as the emergencyvehicle is driven at high speeds; and (c) adhering means for adheringsaid pair of tracks to the lens even as the emergency vehicle is drivenat high speeds; and (d) wherein said shield is dimensioned and said pairof opposing tracks are spaced such that said shield generally coversonly the leading surface of the lens and said shield is conformed to theshape of the leading surface as said upper and lower sides are retainedin a respective one of said pair of opposing tracks, and wherein saidshield is easily removable from said pair of opposing tracks by flexingsaid shield.
 8. A replaceable lens protector for installation on anexisting vehicle warning light system of an emergency vehicle whereinthe system has a lens with a convexly arcuate leading surface,comprising:(a) a planar, flexible, transparent sheet of shield materialhaving upper and lower sides; (b) a pair of tracks, each having a pairof lips adapted to frictionally grasp a respective one of said upper andlower sides; and (c) adhering means for adhering said pair of tracks tothe leading surface of the lens such that said shield material generallycovers, and conforms to, the leading surface as said upper and lowersides are retained in a respective one of said pair of tracks even assaid protector is subjected to wind created during high speed travel ofthe emergency vehicle.